​Here at Aristodoll Ragdolls we have a wealth of knowledge and experience in caring for Ragdoll cats and other animals and are able to offer tailored guidance around ensuring the very best care for your ragdoll cat to keep them in top notch health to promote the very best physical and emotional wellbeing for a very happy and healthy cat.

 

Ragdolls have long silky fur, some have thicker coats than others as a result if left unattended it can become matted, knotty and will also moult. It is therefore important that time is regularly taken to groom a ragdolls coat, we would recommend that this is done at least once or twice per week, whilst Ragdolls are kittens it would be recommended to this this more frequently so that your kitten gets used to the idea of being brushed and combed. Most ragdolls enjoy this time as its calming and soothing for them to be gently brushed and is a lovely bonding time between cat parent with their ragdoll, be prepared for plenty of purrs!

 

We would also strongly recommend the importance in looking after your ragdoll cats teeth, ideally it would be recommended to brush your ragdolls teeth daily as it will help to establish a routine, your kittens adult teeth will normally come through at approx between 6 to 9 months of age. However, brushing at least three times would be the minimum recommendation in order to prevent plaque and tartar accumulation and to prevent any tooth decay which would end up being a painful experience for your cat thus may lead to tooth extraction. By brushing your cats teeth regularly you can prevent this from happening which is no different to a human. This is recommended for all cats and dogs. It would be recommended to start to incorporate this routine whilst your ragdoll is still a kitten in order to prevent them from resisting it, consistency is always key and will help prepare your kitten.  

 

Ragdolls are indoor cats only. So many people ask us why can’t I let my ragdoll cat roam outside? The answer to this is that because of their docile and laid-back temperament ragdolls are at increased risk of road injuries and lack of street savviness. The chance of your cat having an injury is as such at greater risk, ragdolls are also at increased risk of being stolen. There are plenty of ways you can ensure your cat gets plenty of stimulation from being out doors by introducing reins and taking them outside on a lead, we have successfully done this for our own cats as have many of our past ragdoll owners. If you have a garden you could add a catio or add secure cat proof brackets to add to your existing fence, this will allow your cats to be able to enjoy being out in the garden without the worry that they will jump over the fence. Our ragdolls love lounging in the sun and looking at the birds and it’s also a great way for them to get exercise, they also enjoy grazing on grass whilst outside which is excellent roughage that promotes digestion and elimination, eating grass may also promote more regular gastrointestinal tracts, fewer hair balls, and aid in less constipation. You can also grow grass indoors for your cat if you don’t have access to a garden.

 

Exercise through play is paramount in keeping ragdoll cats fit and healthy. We recommend plenty of toys and games for enriching learning and development, in particular cats love to climb, a high cat tree with scratching post is a great addition as is adding wall mounted cat shelves. Our kittens and cats love various ball games, dangle toys, wands, laser pointers, tower tracks and tunnels.  Every kitten is an individual and you will get to know your kittens personality and tailor the play for them by keeping it varied, engaging and interesting for them, defiantly be prepared for the kitten zoomies!

 

As part of meeting your ragdoll cats care needs he or she will also need to be regularly offered preventative flea and worming treatment, nail clipping and also keeping on top of the annual booster vaccinations which will be followed a year after the first two initial vaccinations as a kitten that is completed before leaving to new pet parents.

 

Most importantly kittens needs lots of love, cuddles and affection which is the most important ingredient to emotional well being as well as your time, commitment and investment to your new family member.